Town is still blooming despite the lockdown

Townsfolk’s efforts recognised in pictures

LOUGHBOROUGH in Bloom stalwart, Mike Jones, has sent in some great pictures to show that the popular town project continues to make life brighter for the town - despite the coronavirus lockdown.

Mike said: “Across the town, volunteers on the many Bloom “It’s Your Neighbourhood” sites are ensuring that grass does not grow under their feet (so to speak) and are putting in many hours to keep their sites in tip top condition.

“Even though the annual East Midlands and Britain in Bloom competitions cannot take place this year, community groups and public sector partners take such pride in their work, that there are still beautiful splashes of colour to be seen in many places.”

Mike, the vice-chair of the Bloom Community Participation Group added: “It is a great credit to all who give their time so freely, that they continue to do so when there are no awards to be gained.

“It also demonstrates the legacy left, by the late, sadly missed, Bloom chair, Marion Smith, that Bloom is mainly about improving the quality of life for local people. Any awards gained, while welcome, should really be seen as a demonstration that this is being achieved.”

■ Forest Road Green Belt. Still a joy to behold for all who pass through. The late Harry Cook’s dream kept alive by Pat Cook and her team of local volunteers

■ Loughborough in Bloom stalwart, Mike Jones, has sent in some great pictures to show that the popular town project continues to make life brighter for the town - despite the coronavirus lockdown. This photo shows Loughborough University’s colourful Floral Butterfly, outside the International Standard swimming Pool on Epinal Way.

■ Pictured is Thorpe Acre Green showing one of the planters sponsored by Hathern Nurseries and Geenious Hair Design, with the Thorpe Acre Heart in the backgound.

■ The adjoining front gardens of Kanji and Parvati Chauhan and Philip and Wendy Moore, local residents inspired by Bloom, on Sandringham Drive.

■ John Storer Charnwood Allotment off Epinal Way. Still an oasis of calm ready for the time when visitors can return.

■ Holt Drive Quad, completely transformed over recent years by the efforts of an enthusiastic team of local volunteers.